Say No to Deception

Psalm 103 is brimming with truth.  “who redeems your life from the pit and crowns you with love and compassion” David is speaking of the one true God—coming to rescue him. The same God who whispered Biblical truth in my ear and rescued me from …

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JOY: Grace Recognized

I’ll never forget that October Saturday with the brilliant sunshine and multi-colored leaves, all the crispy scents of autumn in the air. We were about to embark on our zoo outing. My little one couldn’t wait. Within seconds, everything changed. Chaos. Despair. Crazy desperation. Can’t …

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Refined by Fire

Remember the story of Joseph in the Old Testament? His brothers’ betrayal? After Joseph rose to power, he pronounced these famous words in Genesis 45 when he revealed himself to his brothers: “Come closer to me, I am Joseph your brother whom you sold into …

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Songs of Joy

“He who goes out weeping, carrying seed to sow, will return with songs of joy, carrying sheaves with him.” Psalm 126:6 NIV Wow! Do you see the promise in this verse? There is hope! Sorrow being turned into joy! God promises to restore what is lost and we …

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Knowing Your Worth

Years ago when I first began counseling, my therapist would often say, “Debra, you know your worth.” This statement would always cause confusion and I would think to myself, “No. I really don’t know my worth. If I did, I would be standing up for …

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Not the Cause

One betrayed woman described her feelings like this:  “My husband and his lover are laughing and driving the car away while I’m being dragged behind by a rope.” Sounds like an accurate description. You know if you’ve been there. If anyone tells you you’re at fault, …

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Dead Sea vs. Living Water

Whoever thought the Dead Sea—a body of water in Israel, so salty that nothing lives in it—could be filled with freshwater and support life? Ezekiel 47 speaks about a wide river with trees on each side, flowing toward the Arabah, where it enters the Dead …

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Living Hope

God mentions the word “valley” several times in scripture. The Valley of Achor, (trouble) Valley of Baca (tears) and also the Valley of Jehosophat (the Lord judges—Joel 3:14).  We may have passed through the Valleys of Achor and Baca, but the most important valley we …

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